Ontario Helps Electric Vehicle Drivers to Plug In

Ontario government to provide incentives that will fight climate change and support green technology

Ontario is helping electric car owners install charging stations at their homes and businesses to encourage sustainable transportation and fight climate change. Beginning in January 2013, eligible homeowners and businesses can receive a rebate of 50 per cent (to a maximum of $1,000) of the total purchase and installation cost of an electric vehicle charging station.

The program is open to all homeowners and businesses who have received a provincial electric vehicle rebate. According to Plug’N Drive Ontario – a coalition of government, electricity companies, NGOs, researchers and automakers – the majority of electric vehicle owners do their charging at home and at night, allowing them to take advantage of time-of-use pricing during non-peak consumption periods.

Reducing pollutants, improving the environment and investing in sustainable transportation are part of the Ontario government’s plan to keep Ontario clean and green while strengthening the economy.

“We know Ontarians are making greener choices every day. And our government is making steady progress to help people choose environmentally friendly vehicles that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help keep our air clean for generations to come,” said Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Transportation.

Providing EV drivers with charging tools for the home makes sense, says Cara Clairman, President and CEO, Plug’n Drive Ontario: “Plug’n Drive is excited about this government program. Evidence shows that EV drivers will do about 80 percent of their charging at home. Charging at night helps drivers take advantage of time-of-use pricing and uses surplus electricity that is low-emitting and locally made. A home charging incentive removes part of the cost barrier and helps Ontario maximize the environmental and economic benefits of EVs.”

QUICK FACTS

Ontario launched its Electric Vehicles Incentive Program in July 2010, offering rebates between $5,000 and $8,500 toward the purchase or lease of new plug-in hybrid electric or battery electric vehicles.
Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels by 2014, and to 15 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

Ontario is supporting the production of the RAV4 EV through an investment in Toyota’s Project Green Light, helping to protect 6,500 jobs and thousands of supplier jobs throughout the province.
Full criteria and details for the rebate program will be available Jan. 1, 2013 at ontario.ca/electricvehicles.

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